Tricyclic ketone PG intermediate

ABSTRACT

Tricyclic ketones of the formula   THEIR ENANTIOMERS AND THE RACEMIC COMPOUNDS THEREOF, WHEREIN R1 and R2 are alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or, when taken together, WHEREIN R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 are hydrogen, alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or phenyl, with the proviso that not more than one of the R&#39;&#39;s is phenyl and the total number of carbon atoms is from 2 to 10, inclusive; x is zero or one; wherein each of R12 and R13 is hydrogen, bromo or chloro; and * indicates attachment of the moiety to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration. These ketones are useful intermediates in preparing prostaglandins having pharmacological utility.

Unite States Kelly aent 1 Mar. 25, 1975 TRICYCLIC KETONE PG INTERMEDIATE [75] Inventor: Robert C. Kelly, Kalamazoo, Mich.

[73] Assignee: The Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo,

Mich.

[22] Filed: Dec. 15, 1972 [21} Appl. No.: 315,725

Related U.S. Application Data [60] Division of Scr. No. 181,246, Sept. 16, 1971. Pat.

No. 3,71 1,515, which is a continuation-in-part oiSer. No. 93,483, Nov. 27, 1970, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl 260/340.7, 260/338, 260/340.9, 260/343.2 R, 260/514 D, 260/586 R, 260/590, 260/611 F, 424/317 [51] Int. Cl C07d 15/04 [58] Field of Search 260/338, 340.7, 340.9,

[56] References Cited OTHER PUBLICATIONS Corey. Studies on the Total Synthesis of Prostaglandins, Prostaglandins, Vol. 180, Annals of New York Academy of Sciences, Apr. 30, 1971, pp. 24-35.

Primary l;.\'aminerD0nald G. Daus Assistant li.\amincr-.lames H. Turnipseed Attorney, Agent, or FirmMorris L. Nielsen [57] ABSTRACT Tricyclic ketones of the formula oR, CH

their enantiomers and the racemic compounds thereof, wherein R and R are alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or, when taken together,

10 Claims, N0 Drawings TRICYCLIC KETONE PG INTERMEDIATE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a divisional application of my then 5 co-pending application Ser. No. 181,246, filed Sept. 16, 1971, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 3,71 1,515, which was a continuation-in-part of my then co-pending application Ser. No. 93,483, filed Nov. 27, 1970 and since abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a process for preparing intermediates useful in the preparation of prostaglandins, (hereinafter identified as PGE PGF etc.).

Previously, the preparation of a racemic bicyclic lactone diol of the formula was reported by EJ. Corey, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 91, 5675 (1969), and later disclosed in an optically active form by EJ. Corey, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 92,397 1970). Conversion of this intermediate to PGE and PGF either in dl-form or optically active form, was disclosed in those publications.

It is well known that the prostaglandin structures have several centers of asymmetry and therefore exist as stereoisomers (see Nugteren, et al., Nature 212, 38-39 (1966); Bergstrom, et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 20, 1 (1968)). Each formula for pge ,,PGF PGE and PGE herein represents a molecule of the optically active naturally-occurring from of the prostaglandin.

PGE has the following structure:

POE has the following structure:

PGE has the following structure:

I "M CUOH I OH 6 See also Formulas XVl, XXll, XXIV, and XXVI herein, which are identical to the above formulas when represents attachment of hydroxyl in the a (S) configuration. The mirror image of each formula represents a molecule of the enantiomorphic form of that prostaglandin. Thus, for example, ent-PGEJ refers to the enantiomorph of PGE The racemic or dl" form of the prostaglandin consists of equal numbers of two types of molecules, e.g., a natural-configuration prostaglandi and its enantiomorph. If one of the optically active isomers has dextro optical rotatory power, the others has an equal degree of laevo optical rotatory power. A racemic mixture of equal quantities of dand lisomers exhibits no optical rotation. The reaction of the components of a racemic mixture with an optically active substance results in the formation of diastereomers having different physical properties, e.g. degree of solubility in a solvent. Another term used herein is 15- epimer. When referred to one of the above prostaglandins, it identifies a molecule having the opposite configuration at the C-l5 atom. Thus ISB-PGE refers to the product having the [3(R) configuration at carbon 15 as compared with the 01(8) configuration for PGE .CPGECZJ 56E, Q s and PGAZ and their es e s. acylates, and pharmacologically acceptable salts, are extremely potent in causing various biological responses. For that reason, these compounds are useful for pharmacological purposes, See, for example, Bergstrom, et al., Pharmacol. Rev. 20, l (1968), and references cited therein. A few of those biological responses are systemic arterial blood pressure lowering in the case of the PGE PGF B and PGA compounds as measured, for example, in anesthetized (pentobarbital sodium) pentolinium-treated rats with indwelling aortic and right heart cannulas; pressor activity, similarly measured, for the PGF compounds; stimulation of smooth muscle as shown, for example, or gerbil colon; potentiation of other smooth muscle stimulants; antilipolytic activity as shown by antagonism of epinephrine-induced mobilization of free fatty acids or inhibition of the spontaneous release of glycerol from isolated rat fat pads; inhibition of gastric secretion in the case of the PGE and PGA compounds as shown in dogs with secretion stimulated by food or histamine infusion; activity on the central nervous system; decrease of blood platelet adhesiveness as shown by platelet-toglass adhesiveness, and inhibition of blood platelet aggregation and thrombus formation induced by various physical stimuli, e.g., arterial injury, and various biochemical stimuli, e.g., ADP, ATP, serotonin, thrombin, and collagen; and in the case of the PGE compounds, stimulation of epidermal proliferation and keratinization as shown when applied in culture to embroyonic chick and rat skin segments.

Because of these biological responses, these known prostaglandins are useful to study, prevent, control, or alleviate a wide variety of diseases and undesirable physiological conditions in birds and mammals, including humans, useful domestic animals, pets, and zoological specimens, and in laboratory animals, for example, mice, rats, rabbits, and monkeys.

For example, these compounds, and especially the PGE compounds, are useful in mammals, including man, as nasal decongestants. For this purpose, the compounds are used in a dose range of about l ug. to about mg. per ml. of a pharmacologically suitable liquid vehicle or as an aerosol spray, both for topical application.

The PGE and PGA; compounds are useful in mammals, including man and certain useful animals, e.g., dogs and pigs, to reduce and control excessive gastric secretion, thereby reducing or avoiding gastrointestinal ulcer formation, and accelerating the healing of such ulcers already present in the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, the compounds are injected or infused intravenously, subcutaneously, or intramuscularly in an infusion dose range about 0.1 ,ag. to about 500 pg. per kg. of body weight per minute, or in a total daily dose y injection r ntt s n in e range bwt9t lqa 9 mg per kg. of body weight per day, the exact dose depending on the age, weight, and condition of the patient or animal, and on the frequency and route of administration.

The PGE PGF and PGF B compounds are useful whenever it is desired to inhibit platelet aggregation, to reduce the adhesive character of platelets, and to remove or prevent the formation of thrombi in mammals, including man, rabbits, and rats. For example, these compounds are useful in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarcts, to treat and prevent post-operative thrombosis, to promote patency of vascular grafts following surgery, and to treat conditions such as atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, blood clotting defects due to lipemia, and other clinical conditions in which the underlying etiology is associated with lipid imbalance or hyperlipidemia. For these purposes, these compounds are administered systemically, e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, and in the form of sterile implants for prolonged action. For rapid response, especially in emergency situations, the intravenous route of administration is preferred. Doses in the range about 0.005 to about 20 mg. per kg. of body weight per day are used, the exact dose depending on the age, weight, and condition of the patient or animal, and on the frequency and route of administration.

The PGE PGF and PGF B compounds are especially useful as additives to blood, blood products, blood substitutes, and other fluids which are used in artificial extracorporeal circulation and perfusion of isolated body portions, e.g., limbs and organs, whether attached to the original body, detached and being preserved or prepared for transplant, or attached to a new body. During these circulations and perfusions, aggregated platelets tend to block the blood vessels and portions of the circulation apparatus. This blocking is avoided by the presence of these compounds. For this purpose, the compound is added gradually or in single or multiple portions to the circulating blood, to the blood of the donor animal, to the perfused body portion, attached or detached, to the recipient, or to two or all of those at a total steady state dose of about 0.001 to l0 mg. per liter of circulating fluid. It is especially useful to use these compounds in laboratory animals, e.g., cats, dogs, rabbits, monkeys, and rats, for these purposes in order to develop new methods and techniques for organ and limb transplants.

POE- compounds are extremely potent in causing stimulation of smooth muscle, and are also highly active in potentiating other known smooth muscle stimulators, for example, oxytocic agents, e.g., oxytocin, and the various ergot alkaloids including derivatives and analogs thereof. Therefore PGE for example, is useful in place of or in combination with less than usual amounts of these known smooth muscle stimulators, for example, to relieve the symptoms of paralytic ileus, or to control or prevent atonic uterine bleeding after absorption or delivery, to aid in expulsion of the placenta, and during the puerperium. For the latter purpose, the PGE: compound is administered by intravenous infusion immediately after abortion or delivery at a dose in the range about 0.01 to about 50 pg. per kg. of body weight per minute until the desired effect is obtained. Subsequent doses are given by intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injection or infusion during puerperium in the range 0.01 to 2 mg. per kg. of body weight per day, the exact dose depending on the age, weight, and condition of the patient or animal.

The PGE PGF fl and PGA: compounds are useful as hypotensive agents to reduce blood pressure in mammals including man. For this purpose, the compounds are administered by intravenous infusion at the rate of about 0.01 to about 50 #g. per kg. of body weight per minute, or in single or multiple doses of about 25 to 500 ,ug. per kg. of body weight total per day.

The PGE PGF and PGFQB compounds are useful in place of oxytocin to induce labor in pregnant female animals, including man, cows, sheep, and pigs, at or near term, or in pregnant animals with intrauterine death of the fetus from about 20 weeks to term. For this purpose, the compound is infused intravenously at a dose 0.0] to 50 pg. per kg. of body weight per minute until or near the termination of the second stage of labor, i.e., expulsion of the fetus. These compounds are especially useful when the female is one or more weeks post-mature and natural labor has not started, or 12 to 60 hours after the membranes have ruptured and natural labor has not yet started.

The PGE PGF and POP- compounds are useful for controlling the reproductive cycle in ovulating female mammals, including humans and other animals. For that purpose, PGF ,for example, is administered systemically at a dose level in the range 0.01 mg. to about 20 mg. per kg. of body weight, advantageously during a span of time starting approximately at the time of ovulation and ending approximately at the time of menses or just prior to menses. Additionally, expulsion of an embryo or a fetus is accomplished by similar administration of the compound during the first third of the normal mammalian gestation period. Because the PGE compounds are potent antagonists of epinephrine-induced mobilization of free fatty acids, they are useful in experimental medicine for both in vitro and in vivo studies in mammals, including man, rabbits, and rats, intended to lead to the understanding, prevention, sympton alleviation, and cure of diseases involving abnormal lipid mobilization and high free fatty acid levels. e.g., diabetes mellitus. vascular diseases, and hyperthyroidism.

The PGE compounds promote and accelerate the growth or epidermal cells and keratin in animals, including humans, and other animals. For that reason, these compounds are useful to promote and accelerate healing of skin which has been damaged, for example, by burns, wounds, and abrasions, and after surgery. These compounds are also useful to promote and accelerate adherence and growth of skin autografts, especially small, deep (Davis) grafts which are intended to cover skinless areas by subsequent outward growth rather than initially, and to retard rejection of homografts.

For these purposes, these compounds are preferably administered topically at or near the site where cell growth and keratin formation is desired, advantageously as an aerosol liquid or micronized powder spray, as an isotonic aqueous solution in the case of wet dressings, or as a lotion, cream, or ointment in combination with the usual pharmaceutically acceptable dilu ents. In some instances. for example, when there is substantial fluid loss as in the case of extensive burns or skin loss due to other causes, systemic administration is advantageous, for example, by intavenous injection or infusion, separate or in combination with the usual infusions of blood, plasma, or substitutes theeof. Alternative routes of administration are subcutaneous or intramuscular near the site, oral, sublingual, buccal, rectal, or vaginal. The exact dose depends on such factors as the route of administation, and the age, weight, and condition of the subject. To illustrate, a wet dressing or topical application to second and/or third degree burns of skin area 5 to 25 square centimeters would advantageously involve use of an isotonic aqueous solution containing 5 to 1000 ,ug/ml. of the PGE compound. Especially for topical use, these prostaglandins are useful in combination with antibiotics, for example, genta mycin, neomycin, polymyxin B, bacitracin, spectinomycin, and oxytetracycline, with other antibacterials, for example, mafenide hydrochloride, sulfadiazine, furazolium chloride, and nitrofurazone, and with corticoid steroids, for example, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and fluprednisolone, each of those being used in the combination at the usual concentration suitable for its use alone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the purpose of this invention to provide processes for the production of compounds useful in the preparation of prostaglandins commercially in substantial amount and at reasonable cost. It is a further purpose to provide processes for preparing certain intermediates in optically active forms. It is still a further purpose to provide a process for preparing racemic and optically active PGE PGF PGF B ,and PGA their enantiomorphs. and their IS-epimers.

The presently described processes and intermediates are useful for preparing PGE PGF PGF B and PGA and their racemic forms, which are known to be useful for the above-described pharmacological purposes. The processes and intermediates disclosed herein are also useful for preparing enantiomorphic PGE-g, F3", PGF- g, and PGA;!, and PGE3, PGE PGF B and PGA,,, their enantiomorphs, and their ISB-epimers, each one of which is useful for the above described pharmacological purposes, and is used for those purposes in the same manner as described above. These novel compounds are substantially more specific with regard to potency in causing prostaglandinlike biological responses. Therefore, each of these novel prostaglandin-type compounds is surprisingly and unexpectedly more useful than one of the corresponding above-mentioned known prostaglandins for at least one of the pharmacological purposes indicated above for the latter, because it has a different and narrower spectrum of biological potency than the known prostaglandins, and therefore is more specific in its activity and causes smaller and fewer undesired side effects than when the known prostaglandin is used for the ame purpose.

Thus, there is provided a process for preparing an optically active tricyclic lactone glycol of the formula H OH or the mirror image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof, wherein Y is l-pentyl or l-pent-2-ynyl, and indicates attachment of the moiety to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration and to the side chain in alpha or beta configuration, which comprises the steps of:

a. converting optically active or racemic bicyclo- [3.1.0]hex-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde to an optically active acetal of the formula or the mirror image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof, wherein R and R are alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or, when taken together,

wherein R R R R,,, R and R are hydrogen, alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or phenyl, with the proviso that not more than one of the Rs is phenyl and the total number of carbon atoms is from 2 to 10, inclusive, x is zero or one, and is as defined above;

b. transforming said optically active or racemic acetal to an optically active tricyclic mono or dihaloketone of the formula or the mirror image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof. wherein R R and are as defined above, and wherein R is bromo or chloro, and R is hydrogen, bromo, or chloro;

c. transforming said optically active or racemic tricyclic mono or dihaloketone to an optically active tricyclic ketone of the formula or the mirror image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof, wherein R R and are as defined above;

e. hydrolyzing said optically active or racemic tricyclie lactone acetal to an optically active tricyclic lactone aldehyde of the formula CHO or the mirror image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof, wherein is as defined above;

f. converting said optically active or racemic tricyclic lactone aldehyde to an optically active tricyclic lactone alkene or alkenyne of the formula or the niirro image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof, wherein Y and are as defined above; and

g. hydroxylating said optically active or racemic tricyclic lactone alkene or alkenyne to form said optically active or racemic tricyclic lactone glycol.

Reference to Chart A, herein, will make clear the transflnmation from bicyclic aldehyde l to tricyclic lactone glycol Vlll by steps a-g, inclusive. Formulas l-X, inclusive, hereinafter referred to, are depicted in Chart wherein R R R R R and R, are hydrogen, alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or phenyl, with the proviso that not more than one of the R, is phenyl and the total number of carbon atoms is from 2 to It), inclusive; and is zero or one; wherein R is alkyl of one to 5 carbon atoms, inclusive, R is bromo or ehloro, and R is hydrogen. bromo, or chloro; wherein Y is lpentyl or lpent-2-ynyl; wherein W is l-pentyl, cis lpent-Z-enyl, or l-pent-Z-ynyl; and wherein indicates attachment of the moiety to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration, or attachment of the hydroxyl to the side chain in alpha or beta configuration.

In the formulas herein, the broken line attachments to a ring represent substitucnts in alpha configuration, i.e., below the plane ofthe paper. The wavy line indicates attachment of a group to a cyclopentane or lactone ring in alpha or beta configuration, or it indicates attachment to a cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration, or it indicates attachment to the C-lS carbon of the prostamoic acid skeleton in a (S) or ,8 (R) configuration. The formula of each intermediate as drawn herein is intended to represent the particular optical isomer which is transformed by the processes herein to an optically active prostaglandin having the natural configuration of prostaglandins obtained from mammalian tissues. The mirror image of each formula then represents a molecule ofthe enantiomorphic form of that intermediate. The expression racemic compound refers to a mixture of the optically active isomer which yields the natural configuration prostaglandin and the optically active isomer which is its enantiomorph.

The bicyclic aldehyde of Formula I in Chart A exists CHART A CH=CH-Y Vll CH-CH-W ago so oso ss' IX X a number of isomeric forms. With respect to the attachment of the --CH0 group, it exists in two isomeric forms, exo and endo. Also, with respect to the position of the cyclopentene double bond relative to the CI-IO group, each ofthe exo and endo forms exists in two optically active (dor I-) forms, making in all four isomers. Each of these isomers separately or mixtures thereof undergo the reactions herein for producing prostaglandin intermediates and products. For racemic' products the unresolved isomers are used. For the optically active prostaglandins, the aldehyde or subsequent intermediate isomers are resolved by my new process disclosed herein, and are used for preparing the optically active products. The preparation of the exo and endo aldehydes is discussed below under Preparations.

In carrying out step (a), bicyclic aldehyde I is transformed to acetal II by methods known in the art. Thus, aldehyde 1 is reacted with either an alcohol of one to 4 carbon atoms, e.g., methanol, ethanol, propanol, or

butanol in their isomeric forms, or mixture of such alcohols, or, preferably, a glycol having the formula aafaa R1 l l l rt a R2 Ra 9, Rs

wherein R R R R R and R are hydrogen, alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or phenyl, with the proviso that not more than one of the R is phenyl and the total number of carbon atoms is from 2 to 10, inclusive; and x is zero or one. Examples of suitable glycols are ethylene glycol, 1,2-propanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, l,3-butanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 2,4-hexanediol, 3,4- octanediol, 3,5-nonanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-l,3- propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-2,4-heptanediol, 4-ethyl-4- methyl-3,5-heptanediol, phenyl-l,2-ethanediol, and l-phenyll ,Z-propanediol.

The stepa reaction is carried out under a variety of conditions using procedures generally known in the art. Thus, the reactants are dissolved in benzene and the mixture heated to remove the water formed azeotropically. To accelerate the reaction, there may be added an acid catalyst such as p-toluenesulfonic acid, trichloroacetic acid, zinc chloride, and the like. Alternatively, the reactants, together with the acid catalyst and a water scavenger such as trimethyl orthoformate are warmed to 40l00 C. in an inert solvent such as benzene, toluene, chloroform. or carbon tetrachloride.

he ratio of the aldehyde to the glycol is preferably between l:l and 1:4.

In transforming acetal II to ketone IV, reactions known in the art for analogous compounds are employed. In carrying out step b, acetal II is reacted with a ketene R R C=C=O, for example HBrC=C=O, HCIC=C=O, Br C=C=O, or Cl C=C=O. For convenience, ketene CI C=C=O is preferred. It is preferably generated in situ by the reaction ofa O.5-to-2.0-fold excess of dichloroacetyl chloride in the presence of a tertiary amine, e.g., triethylamine, tributylamine, pyridine, or l,4-dia'/.ahicyclol 2.2.2 Ioctanc, in a solvent such as n-hcxane, cyclolicxane, or mixture of isomeric hexanes (Skellysolve B) at a temperature of from 0 to C. (See, for example, Corey, et al., Tetrahedron Letters No. 4, pp. 307-310, 1970). Alternatively, the ketene CI C=C=O is generated by adding a trichloroacyl halide to zinc dust suspended in the reaction vessel, omitting the tertiary amine.

In carrying out step (c), mono or dihaloketone III is reduced with a 2-to-5-fold excess of zinc dust over the stoichiometric ratio of ZnzZCl in methanol, ethanol, ethylene, glycol, and the like, in the presence of acetic acid, ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate or sodium dihydrogen phosphate. Alternatively, the reaction is carried out with aluminum amalgam in a watercontaining solvent such as methanol-diethyl etherwater, tetrahydrofuran-water, or dioxanewater, at about 050 C.

In carrying out step (d), tricyclic acetal ketone IV is converted to a lactone by methods known in the art, for example by reaction with hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, perbenzoic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, and the like, in the presence ofa base such as alkali hydroxide. bicarbonate, or orthophosphate, using a preferred molar ratio of oxidizer to ketone of 1:].

in carrying out step (g), the Formula-VII alkene or alkenyne is hydroxylated to glycol Vlll by procedures known in the art. See South African Pat. No. 69/4,809 issued July 3, 1970. In the hydroxylation of the respective endo or exo alkenes, various isomeric glycols are obtained depending on such factors as whether the CH=CH moiety in VI] is cis or trans, and

12 whether a cis or a trans hydroxylation reagent is used. Thus. endo-cis olefin gives a mixture of two isomeric erythro glycols of Formula VIll with a cis hydroxylation agent, e.g., osmium tetroxide.

Similarly, the endotrans olefin gives a similar mixture of the same two erythro glycols with a trans hydroxylation agent, e.g., hydrogen peroxide. The endo-cis olefins and the endo-trans olefins give similar mixtures of two threo glycol isomers with trans and cis hydroxylation reagents, respectively. These various glycol mixtures are separated into individual isomers by silica gel chromatography. However, this separation is usually not necessary, since each isomeric erythro glycol and each isomeric threo glycol is useful as an intermediate according to this invention and the processes outlined in Chart A to produce intermediate products of Formula X and then, according to Charts C through F hereinafter to produce the other final products of this invention. Thus, the various isomeric glycol mixtures 20 encompassed by Formula Vlll produced from the vari- OTHP Xlll

CHART D 0H 0 9% Vi 9 I a I l/y Z Z 5 5 0H 6 0TH? DTHP OTHP XVI l XVI I I X I X 1 THP E19 O THP OTHP xx xx 1 CHART E O OH HQ DC'5H11 n C5H11 I OH OH XI XXIII XXI V CHART F W z I @WM 1' 3 OH OH XVI XXV XXVI alkenyne to diols X a and X Reference to Chart B, herein, will make clear the transformation from the Formula-VII lactone alkene or Formulas VII, X X3 XXXVIII, XXXIX, and XL, hereinafter referred to, are depicted in Chart B, wherein E and M are both hydrogen or wherein one of E and M is hydrogen and the other is formyl, wherein Y is l-pentyl or 1-pent-2- ynyl, wherein indicates attachment of the moiety to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration, or attachment of OE and OM in threo or erythro configuration, or attachment to the side chain in alpha or beta configuration, and wherein indicates attachment of the epoxide oxygen to the side chain in alpha or beta configuration.

The Formula-VII alkene or alkenyne, prepared by steps af of Chart A, is transformed to epoxide XXVIII by mixing reactant VII with a peroxy compound which is hydrogen peroxide or, preferably, an organic percarboxylic acid. Examples of useful organic percarboxylic acids for this purpose are performic acid, peracetic acid, perlauric acid, percamphoric acid, perbenzoic acid, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, and the like. Peracetic acid is especially preferred,

The peroxidation is advantageously carried out by mixing the reactant Vll with about one equivalent of the per acid or hydrogen peroxide, advantageously in a diluent, for example, chloroform. The reaction usually proceeds rapidly, and the Formula-XXXVIII epoxide is isolated by conventional methods, for example, evaporation of the reaction diluent and removal of the acid corresponding to the per acid if one is used. It is usually unnecessary to purify the oxide before using it in the next step.

Two procedures are available for transforming epoxide XXXVIII to diol diformate XL. In one, the epoxide is hydrolyzed to a mixture of glycol XXXIX, wherein E and M are hydrogen, anddiol x For thispurpose, a solution of dilute formic acid in an inert miscible solvent such as acetone, dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, or tetrahydrofuran is used. Reaction temperatures of C. to 100 C. may be employed, although about C. is preferred. At lower temperatures, the desired mixture is produced inconveniently slowly. At higher temperatures, undesired side reactions reduce the yield of the desired mixture. Thereafter, the glycoldiol mixture is contacted with formic acid, preferably substantially 100% formic acid, at about 25 C. to form the diol formate. By substantially 100% formic acid" is meant a purity of at least 99.5%.

In the other procedure, expoxide XXXVIII is subjected to formolysis directly. Preferably, substantially 100% formic acid is used, at about 25 C. An inert solvent such as dichloromethane, benzene, or diethyl ether may be employed.

In either procedure, glycol monoformate XXXIX, wherein one of E and M is hydrogen and the other is formyl, is often present as an intermediate. It is ordinarily not isolated, but is converted to diol diformate XL in substantially 100% formic acid.

The diol diformate XL is obtained as a mixture ofisomers in which the formyl group on the side chain are in the alpha and beta configurations. The mixture is converted directly to the diols X a and X 3 without separation.

For this purpose, the diol diformates are contacted with a weak base such as an alkali metal carbonate, bicarbonate, or phosphate, preferably sodium or potassium bicarbonate, in a lower alkanol, for example methanol or ethanol. For this base hydrolysis, a temperature range of 10 C. to 50 C. is operable, preferably about 25 C. The product is a mixture containing the diols X a and X B wherein the hydroxyl on the side chain is in the alpha and beta configuration. Separation of the alpha and beta diols is done by known procedures. Especially useful here is chromatography, for example on silica gel or alumina.

In Chart B, there are differences in the terminal groups on the side chains of Formulas Vll, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XL, X and X p ln formula VII, Y is limited to l-pentyl or l-pent-2-ynyl whereas in the other formulas W includes l-pentyl, cis l-pent-Z-enyl, or 1- pent-2-ynyl. Similarly to Chart A above, the compounds wherein W is cis l-pent-2-enyl are obtained by reducing the C as C moiety to cis CH=CH by methods known in the art at any stage after the epoxidation of the --(H=(H moiety of compound Vllv The formation of PGE or PGF from the Formula-X lactone diol intermediate is done by the steps shown in Charts C and E known in the art. See. E. J. Corey, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 91, 5675 (1969). The Formula-XI compound is within the scope of the Formula-X diol when W is n-C H The formation of PGF by carbonyl reduction of PGE is known in the art. For this reduction, use is made of any of the known ketonic carbonyl reducing agents which do not reduce ester or acid groups of carbon-carbon double bonds when the latter is undesirable. Examples of those are the metal borohydrides, especially sodium, potassium, and zinc borohydrides, lithium (tri-tert-butoxy) aluminum hydride, metal trialkoxy borohydrides, e.g., sodium trimethoxyborohydride, lithium borohydride, diisobutyl aluminum hydride, and when carbon-carbon double bond, especially cis, reduction is not a problem, the boranes, e.g., disiamylborane. As is known, this method gives a mixture of PGF and PGF which are readily separated by chromatography. The forma tion of PGA by acidic dehydration of PGE is known in the art. See, for example, Pike, et al., Proc. Nobel Symposium 11, Stockholm (1966), lnterscience Publishers, New York, p. 162 (1967), and British Specification No. 1,097,533. Alkanoic acids of2 to 6 carbon atoms, inclusive, especially acetic acid, are preferred acids for this acidic dehydration. Dilute aqueous solutions of mineral acids, e.g., hydrochloric acid, especially in the presence of a solubilizing diluent, e.g., tet rahydrofuran, are also useful as reagents for this acidic dehydration.

With regard to Formulas II to XXXIV, examples of alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, and isomeric forms thereof. Examples of alkyl of one to 8 carbon atoms, inclusive, are those given above, and pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, and isomeric forms thereof. In Formulas Xl-XVI and elsewhere, n-C H represents the normal-pentyl group, and Tl-1P represents the tetrahydropyranyl group.

There is further provided a process for resolving a racemic mixture of an oxo compound of the formula and of the mirror image thereof. wherein R and R are alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or, when taken together Re 'R' I}? lt r R X 5;

wherein R R R R and R are hydrogen, alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or phenyl, with the proviso that not more than one of the Rs isphenyl and the total number ofcarbon atoms is from 2 to 10. inclusive; .r is zero or one, and indicates attachment of the moiety to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration, which comprises the steps of:

a. Converting the 0x0 compound by reaction with an optically active ephedrine to a mixture of oxazolidine diastereomers,

b. Separating at least one oxazolidine diastereomer from said mixture,

c. Hydrolyzing said oxazolidine to free the optically active oxo compound, and

d. Recovering said optically active oxo compound.

In carrying out the resolution of the Formula-I bicyclic aldehyde, there is prepared an oxazolidine by reaction of the aldehyde with an optically active ephedrine, e.g. dor l-ephedrine, or dor l-pseudoephedrine. Approximately equi-molar quantities of the reactants are employed in a solvent such as benzene, isopropyl ether, or dichloromethane. Although the reaction proceeds smoothly over a wide range in temperature, e.g., l0-80 C., it is preferred that it be done in the range to C. to minimize side reactions. With the Formula-l compound, it occurs quickly, within minutes, whereupon the solvent is removed, preferably under vacuum. The product consists of the diastereomers of the aldehyde-ephedrine product, i.e., the oxazolidines. At least one of the diastereomers is separated by methods known in the art, including crystallization and chromatography. In this instance, crystallization is used as the preferred method. Repeated recrystallization of the thus-obtained solid oxazolidine from a suitable solvent, e.g., isopropyl ether, yields one of the diastereomers in substantially pure form. The oxazolidine is then hydrolyzed by procedures known in the art to release the aldehyde. However, I have found silica gel wet with water surprisingly effective, using the silica gel in a column, with the further beneficial effect that the column acts as a means of separating the ephedrine from the aldehyde. The eluted fractions are then evaporated to yield the desired resolved Formula-I aldehyde.

The mother liquor from the recrystallized diastereomer contains the optical isomer having opposite configuration. A preferred method for isolating this second diastereomer, however, is to prepare the oxazolidine of the racemic aldehyde using ephedrine of the opposite configuration to that first employed above, and thereafter recrystallizing as above. Finally, hydrolysis and recovery yield the resolved Formula-I aldehyde in opposite configuration to that first obtained above.

I have further found that this method is generally applicable for resolving aldehydes and ketones, and is useful for resolving not only the Formula-l aldehyde but also the Formula-VI lactone aldehyde and the Formula-IV acetal ketone.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The invention is further illustrated by, but not limited to, the following examples.

All temperatures are in degrees Centigrade.

Infrared absorption spectra are recorded on a Perkin- Elmer model 421 infrared spectrophotometer. Except when specified otherwise, undiluted (neat) samples are used.

The NMR spectra are recorded on a Varian A-oO spectrophotometer in deuterochloroform solutions with tetramethylsilane as in internal standard (downfield).

Circular dichroism curves are recorded on a Cary recording spectropolarimeter.

The collection of chromatographic eluate fractions starts when the eluent front reaches the bottom of the column.

Brine, herein, refers to an aqueous saturated sodium chloride solution.

PREPARATIONS 1 Endo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde (Formula I: is endo).

To a rapidly stirred suspension of anhydrous sodium carbonate (318 q.) in a solution of bicyclo[2.2.l lhepta-2.5-diene (223 g.) in dichloromethane (1,950 ml.) is added 177 ml. of 25.6% peracetic acid containing 6 g. of sodium acetate. The addition time is about 45 min., and the reaction temperature is 20-26C. The mixture is stirred for an additional 2 hrs. The reaction mixture is filtered and the filter cake washed with dichloromethane. The filtrate and washings are concen trated under vacuum. About 81 g. of the resulting liquid is stirred with 5 ml. of acetic acid in 200 m1. of dichloromethane for 5.5 hrs, then concentrated and distilled. The fraction boiling at 6973C./3O mm. represents the desired Formula-I aldehyde, 73 g. NMR peaks at 5.9 and 9.3 (doublet) 8.

The various Formula-I -to-IX intermediates, hereinafter, exist in exo as well as endo forms. A preferred route to the exo form of the Formula-I bicyclic alde' hyde is by the steps shown in Chart G, using methods known in the art. See South African Pat. No. 69/4809 issued July 3, 1970. In Formulas XXVII to XXXVII, the attachment to the cyclopropane ring by a straight line extended downward at an angle to the right indicates the exo configuration. Thus, diazoacetic acid is added to a double bond of cyclopentadiene to give an exo-endo mixture of the Formula-XXVI" bicyclo[3.l.0]-hexene substituted at the 6-position with a carboxyl. The exo-endo mixture is treated with a base to isomerize the endo isomer in the mixture to more of the exo isomer. Next the carboxyl group at 6 is transformed to an alcohol group and thence to the exo aldehyde of the Formula XXX.

EXAMPLE I dl-Endo-bicyc1o[3.l .0]hex-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde Acetal of Ethylene Glycol (Formula ll R and R taken together are CH CH and is endo).

Refer to Chart A. A solution of Formula-l endobicyclo[3.l.0]hex-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde (216 g.. Preparation 1), ethylene glycol (150 g), and p-toluenesulfonic acid (0.5 g.) in benzene (l l is heated under reflux. The azeotropically distilled water (29 ml. afterhrs.) is collected in a Dean-Stark Trap. The reaction mixture is cooled, treated with sodium carbonate (O.3 g.), and distilled at reduced pressure. The fraction collected at 5560C./3-4 mm. is partitioned between ether and water. The ether layer is extracted with water, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, and concentrated to the Formula-ll bicyclic acetal, a light tan oil (70 g); NMR peaks at Ll, 1.6-2.9, 3.54.2, 4.42, and 5.3-6.0 8.

Following the procedures of Example l but using the exo Formula-l (XXX) compound, there is obtained the corresponding CHART G XXVll C OOH XXIX XXX

CHO

exo Formula-ll acetal.

Following the procedures of Example 1 but using either the endo or exo form of the Formula-l aldehyde and substituting for the ethylene glycol one of the following glycols: 1,2-propanediol, l,2hexanediol, 1,3- butanediol, 2,3-pentanediol, 2,4-hexanediol. 3.4- octanediol, 3,5-nonanediol, 2,2-dimethyl-l ,3- propanediol, 3,3-dimethyl-2,4-heptanediol, 4-ethyl-4- methyl-3,5-heptanediol, phenyl-l,2-ethanediol and l-phenyl-1,2-propanediol, there are obtained the corresponding Formula-Il acetals.

Following the procedures of Example 1 but using ei' ther the endo or exo form of the Formula-l aldehyde and substituting for the ethylene glycol one of the following alcohols: methanol, ethanol, l-propanol. or 1- butanol, there are obtained the corresponding Formula-ll acetals.

EXAMPLE 2 dl-tricyclic Dichloroketone (Formula Ill: R1 an R taken together are CH CH and is endo).

Refer to Chart A. A solution of the Formula-ll bicyclic acetal of Example 1 (56 g.) and triethylamine g.) in 300 ml. of isomeric hexanes (Skellysolve B) is heated at reflux, with stirring, and treated dropwise with dichloroacetyl chloride g.) in Skellysolve B over a 3-hour period. The mixture is cooled and filtered to remove solids. The filtrate and combined Skellysolve B washes of the filtered solid is washed with water, 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate, and brine, dried over an hydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated to the title compound, a dark brown oil (91 g). An additional quantity (13 g.) is recovered from the filter cake and aqueous washes. Alternatively, the triethylamine is added to a solution of the bicyclic acetal and the dichloroacetyl chloride, or the triethylamine and the dichloroacetyl are added separately but simultaneously to a solution of the bicyclic acetal in Skellysolve 8.

Following the procedures of Example 2 but using the exo Formula-ll compound, there is obtained the corre sponding exo Formula-Ill tricyclic dichloroketone.

Following the procedures of Example 2, but using the Formula-ll compounds disclosed following Example 1, there are obtained the corresponding Formula-Ill compounds.

EXAMPLE 3 dl-Tricyclic Ketone (Formula lV: R and R are methyl and is endo).

A solution of the Formula-Ill dichloroketone of Example 2 104 g.) in dry methanol (1 l.) is treated with ammonium chloride 100g.) and small portions of zinc dust. The temperature is allowed to rise to 60C. After 200g. of zinc have been added, the mixture is heated under reflux for an additional 80 min. The mixture is cooled, the solids filtered off, and the filtrate concentrated. The residue is treated with dichloromethane andaqueous sodium bicarbonate and the mixture is filtered. The dichloromethane layer is washed with 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate and'water, dried, and concentrated to the title compound, a dark brown-oil (56 g.); infra-red absorptionat'a l760'cm Following the procedures of Example 3 but using the exo FormulaIII compound, there is obtainedthe corresponding exoFormula-IV tricyclic ketone.

Following the procedures of Example 3 but using the Formula-Illcompounds disclosed'following Example 2, there are obtained'the corresponding Formula-IV compounds.

EXAMPLE 4 dl-Tricyclic lactone acetal (Formula V: R and R are methyl and is endo), and Tricyclic lactone aldehyde (Formula VI: is endo).

Refer to Chart A. A solution of the Formula-IV product of Example 3 (56 g.) in dichloromethane (400 ml.) is treated with potassium bicarbonate. (40 g.) and cooled to C. A solution of meta-chloroperbenzoic acid (55 g. of 85%) in dichloromethane (600 ml.) is added over 40 min. The mixture is stirred at 10C. for 1 hr., then warmed to reflux for 40 min. The mixture is cooled and filtered, and the filtrate is washed with 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate-sodium thiosulfate, and then water. The dichloromethane layer is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, andconcentrated to the Formula-V acetal (61 g.). A portion (5'8 g.) is chromatographed on 2 kg. of silica gel packed in ethyl acetate- Skellysolve B (50-50). Elution with 50-50, 70-30 and 80-20 ethyl acetate-Skellysolve B yields a fraction (24.9 g.) shown by NMR to be a mixture of dimethyl acetal (V) and aldehyde (VI). A portion (22.6 g.) of the mixture is dissolved in 100 ml. of (60-40) formic acid-water and allowed to stand 1 hr. at 25C. The solution is then concentrated under vacuum and the residue taken up in dichloromethane. The dichloromethane solution is washed with 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate and water, dried over sodium sulfate, and concentrated to a brown oil (17.5 g.) which crystallizes on seeding. Trituration of'the crystalswith' benzene leaves crystals of the Formula-VI aldehyde (9.9 g.). An analytical sample is obtained by recrystallization from tetrahydrofuran, m.p. 7274C. (corr.); infrared absorption peakds at 2,740, 1,755, 1,710, 1,695, 1,195, 1,165, 1,020, 955, and 910, cmf", NMR peaks at 1.8-3.4, 5.0-5.4, and 9.92 6.

Followingthe procedures of Example 4 but using the.

exo Formula-IV lactone acetalcompound, there. is obtained the corresponding exo Formula-V lactone acetal.

Likewise, following the procedures of Example 4 using the exo Formula-V compound, there is obtained the corresponding cxo Formula-V1 lactone aldehyde.

Following the procedures of Example 4 but using the Formula-IV compounds disclosed following Example 3. there are obtained the corresponding Formula-V compounds, and, thence, the. corresponding Formula- Vl lactone aldehydes.

EXAMPLE 5 dl-Tricyclic Lactone Heptene (Formula VII: Y is l-pentyl and is endo).

Refer to Chart A. A suspension of n-hexyltriphenylphosphine bromide (6.6 g.) in 20 ml. of benzene is stirred under nitrogen-and to it is added 10 ml. of 1.6 m. n-butyllithium in n-hexane. After 10 min. a benzene solution of the Formula-VI tricyclic aldehyde 1.66 g.) of Example 4 is added dropwise over 15 min. and the reaction mixture is heated at 6570C. for 2.5 hrs. The mixture is cooled, the solids are filtered off and washed with benzene, and the combined filtrate and washes are extracted with dilute hydrochloric acid and water. The solution is dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under vacuum'to an oil (3.17 g.). The crude Formula- VII product is chromatographed on 400 g. of silica gel packed with (30-70) ethyl acetatecyclohexane and eluted with the same mixture. Fractions of 20 ml. volume are collected. Fractions 47-50 are found to contain 0.8 g. of the desired Formula-VII tricyclic lactone heptene; NMR peaks at 0.6- 3.0. 4.4-5. 1, and 5.4 5. To minimize side reactions, it is preferred that the Wittig reagent prepared from the phosphonium bromide and n'-butyllithium be filtered to remove lithium bromide, and that the resultant solution is added to the benzene solution ofthe Formula-VI tricyclic aldehyde is equivalent proportions.

Following the procedures of Example 5 but using the exo Formula-VI compound, there is obtained the corresponding exo Formula-VII lactone heptene. A preferred source of the exo form of the Formula-Vltricyclic lactone aldehyde is by the steps shown in Chart H. Therein R is alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms. Thus,

7 diazoacetic acid ester is added to a double bond of cyclopentadiene to give an exo-endo mixture of the Formula-XXXI bicyclol3. l .0]hexene substituted at 6 with an esterified carboxyl, e.g., a methyl ester wherein R is methyl. The exo-endo mixture is treated with a base to isomerize the endo isomer to more of the exo isomer. Next the hexene is reacted with CI C=C=O generated in situ from dichloroacetyl chloride and a tertiary amine or from trichloroacetyl chloride and zinc dust as in step (b) of Chart A, to the Formula-XXXII dichloroketone. successively, the dichloroketone is reduced as in step (c) of Chart A; the resulting Formula- XXXIII tricyclic ketone is converted to a lactone ester as in step (d) of Chart A; the lactone is saponified, then acidified, to yield the Formula-XXXV compound with a carboxyl group at the 6-position; then the carboxyl group is transformed to anblcohol group and finally to the exo aldehyde of Formula XXXVI].

EXAMPLE 6 dl-Tricyclic Glycols (Formula VIII: W is l-pentyl and is endo). Refer to Chart A.

Procedure A. A solution of the Formula-VII tricyclic "tom town I lactone heptene of Example (0.8 g.) in ml. of benzene is treated with osmium tetroxide 1.0 g.) in ml. of benzene. After standing 24 hrs., the mixture is treated with hydrogen sulfide for min., then filtered to remove a black solid. The filtrate is evaporated to an oil (393 mg). An additional quantity of oil (441 mg.) is recovered by suspending the black solid in ethyl acetate and again treating with hydrogen sulfide. The oil is chromatographed on 100 g. of silica gel packed and eluted with (-60) acetone-dichloromethane. Fractions of 20 ml. volume are collected. Two erythro glycols of Formula Vlll are recovered, one more polar (slower-moving on the column) than the other. The faster-moving glycol, 0.3 g., is found in fractions 20-30; the slower-moving one, 0.28 g., in fractions 31-40.

Procedure B. A mixture of 7 ml. of N- methylmorpholine oxide-hydrogen peroxide complex (see Fieser, et al., Reagents for Organic Syntheses, p. 690, John Wiley and Sons, lnc., New York, NY.

(1967)), 8 ml. of THF, 14 ml. of tert-butanol, and osmium tetroxide (2 mg.) in 2 ml. of tert-butanol is cooled to about 15C.

A solution of the Formula-VII tricyclic lactone heptene of Example 5 (3.95 g.) in 12 ml. of THF and i2 ml. tert-butanol is then added slowly over a period of 2 hrs. at a temperature of l520C. The mixture is stirred for an additional 2 hrs., and to it is added a slurry of filter aid (for example magnesium silicate, 0.8 g.) in 14 ml. of water containing sodium thiosultate (0.4 g.), and the solids removed by filtration. The filtrate is concentrated under reduced pressure to an oil. Water (200 ml.) is added and the oil-water mixture is extracted with several portions of dichloromethane. The dichloromethane solution is dried over magnesium sulfate and then concentrated under reduced pressure to a mixture containing the title products.

Following the procedures of Example 6A and 6B but using the exo Formula-VII compound, there are obtained the corresponding exo Formula-VIII tricyclic glycols.

EXAMPLE 7 dl-Bicyclic lactone bismesylate (Formula lX: R, is methyl, W is l-pentyl, and is endo), and bicyclic lactone diol (Formula X: W is lpentyl and indicates the a configuration).

Refer to Chart A. The slower moving Formula-Vlll erythro glycol from Example 6 (277 mg.) is dissolved in 5 ml. of pyridine, cooled to 0C. under nitrogen; and treated with methanesulfonyl chloride (0.89 g.). The mixture is stored at 0C. for 20 hrs, ice water (0.6 ml.) is added and the mixture stirred an additional 20 min. Then the mixture is poured into dichloromethane and washed with ice-cold l N. hydrochloric acid, icecold 5% sodium bicarbonate solution, and ice water. The solution is dried and concentrated under vacuum to an oil (290 mg), consisting of the Formula-IX bis-mesylate compound.

The above product is dissolved in 10 ml. of acetone and 5 ml. of water, left standing for 3 hrs. at 25C.. and concentrated under reduced pressure to remove the acetone. The solution is diluted with water and extracted with dichloromethane. The lichloromethane solution is washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution and brine, dried, and concentrated under vacuum to an oil (200 mg), consisting of the Formula-X product.

The Formula-X compound is obtained as a mixture of isomers in the a and [3 configuration. They are sepa rated by silica gel chromatography and are used separately, e.g., in preparing the Formula-XII bis(tetrahydropyranyl) ether. The undesired Formula-X isomer is recycled to isomerize it to a mixture of the a and B forms. For the isomerization, the l5-hydroxyl is oxidized to a l5-keto with selective oxidant, e.g., 2,3- dichloro-5,6-dicyano-l ,4-benzoquinone, activated manganese dioxide, or nickel peroxide (see Fieser, ct al., Reagents for Organic Syntheses, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, N.Y., pp. 215, 637, and 731). Thereafter, the IS-keto compound is reduced with zinc borohydride, by methods known in the art, to a mixture of the a and B isomers, which are then separated by silica gel chromatography.

Following the procedure of Example 7, the fasten moving glycol is transformed to the same Formula-X product as above.

Following the procedures of Example 7 but-usingthe exo Formula-V111 compound, there is obtained the corresponding exo Formula-IX bismesylate. This exo bismesylate is transformed to the Formula-X.;lactone diol by the procedures of Example 7 used for the endo compound.

The Formula-X lactone diol wherein W is.l-pentyl is.

transformed to dl -PGE and d1 -PGF and their alkyl esters using methods generally known in the art, e.g. following the steps of Chart C for dl -PGE- and Chart E for d1 -PGF EXAMPLE 8 dl-Endo-bicyclol3. l .0]-hex-2-ene-6-carboxa1dehydeacetal of 2,2-dimethyl-l ,3-propanedio1 Formula II: R,

and R taken together are Cl-l-' C(CH CH and is endo).

Refer to Chart A. A solution of Formula-l endobicyclol3.1.0lhcx-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde, (48.6 g.), 2,2-dimethyl-l,3-propanediol (140.4 g.), and oxalic acid (0.45 g.) in benzene (0.9 l.) is heated under-reflux for 4 hrs. The azeotropically distilled water isremoved in a water separator; The reaction-mixture is cooled; washed with 5% sodium bicarbonatesolutionand water. The benzene solution is driedover sodiumsulfate,

concentrated to an oil (93 g.), and distilledatreduced, pressure. The fraction boiling at 88-95'C./0;5' mm. is.

the desired title compound, 5712 q., m.p. 53 55C.;

NMR peaks at 0.66, 1.2, 3.42, 3.93, and 5.6 8; infrared.

absorption at1,595, l,110,1,015, 1,005, 990,965, 915 and 745 cm.

Following the proceduresof Example8 .but using the exo Formula-l compound, there is obtained the'corresponding exo Formula-ll acetal.

EXAMPLE 9 dl-Tricyclic dichloreketone (Formula Ill: R, and R taken together are CH C(CH;,) CH andis endo).

Refer to Chart A. Following the procedures of Example 2, the Formula-ll compound of Example 8 is transformed to the title compound. M.P. 971()0C., NMR

peaks at 0.75, 1.24, 2.43 (multiplet), 3.42. 3.68, and 3.96 (doublet) 5; infrared absorption at 3,040, 1,810, 1,115, 1,020, 1,000,980,845, and 740 cm".

EXAMPLE 10 dl-Tricyc1ic ketone (Formula IV: R, and R taken together are CH C(CH;,) CH and is endo).

EXAMPEL 1 l dl-Tricyclic lactone acetal (Formula V: R, andR- endo) and Tricyclic Lactone Aldehyde (Formula V1: is endo).

Refer to Chart A. Tricyclic ketone IV (Example l0, 12 g.) together with potassium bicarbonate (6.1 g.) in

100 m1; ofdichloromethane is cooled to about 10C. Metachloroperbenzoic acid (12.3 g. of is added portion-wise at such a rate that the reactiontemperature is kept below. 30C. Thereafter the mixture is stirred for 1 hr. and .to it is-added 150 ml. of 5% aque-. ous sodium=bicarbonate solution containing 9 g. of sodium thiosulfate. The dichloromethane layer is dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The-oily residue containsthe Formula-V lactone acetal: NMR peaks at 0.75, 1.23 3.5 (quartet), 3.9 (doublet) and 4.8 (quartet) 8; infraredabsorption at 1,760 cm".

Lactone acetal V (about 4.4 g.) in 60 ml. of 88% formic acid .is:le ft standing at 50C. for one hour. The solu: tion is then cooled, diluted .with.60 ml. ofl N. sodium hydroxide saturated with sodium chloride, and extractedwith dichloromethane. The combined extracts are washed with 10% sodiumcarbonate, driedover sodium" sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The product crystallizes on standing, yielding, the

Formula-VI lactone aldehyde: m.p. 69-73C., NMR

peaks'at 5.2 (multiplet) and 10.0 (doublet) 6, and infrared absorption at 1,755 cm.

Followingthe procedures of Example 1 1, the corresponding-exo Formula-IV tricyclic ketone yields. the corresponding Formula-V and -VI compounds. 7

EXAMPLE 12 Resolution of. Endo-bicycclo[ 3. 1 .0]hex-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde (Formula 1: is endo).

A. Formulasl endo-bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene-6- carboxaldehyde.( 12.3 g.) and'l-ephedrine.('16.5 g.) are.

dissolved in about 150 ml. of benzene. The benzene is removed under vacuum and the residue taken up in about 150 ml. of isopropyl ether. The solution is filtered, then cooled to -l 3C. to yieldcrystalsof-2-endobicyclol3.l.0]hex-2-en-6-yl)-3,4 dimethyl-5-phenyloxazolidine, 11.1 g., m.p. 90-92C. Three recrystallizations from isopropyl ether, cooling each time to about 2C., yield crystals of the oxazolidine, 2.2 m.p. 103C., now substantially a single isomeric form as shown by NMR.

The above re-crystallizedoxazolidine (1.0 g.) is dissolvedin a few ml. of dichloromethane, charged to a 20 g. silica gel column and eluted with dichloromethane. The silica gel is chromatography-grade, (Merck), 0.050.2 mm. particle size, with about 4-5 g. water 100 g. Fractions of the eluate are collected, and those.

shown by thin layer chromatography (TLC) to contain thedesired compound are combined and evaporatedtov an oil (360 mg). This oil is shown by NMR to be desired-Formula-l compound, endo-bicyclo [3.1.0]hex2- ene-6-carboxaldehyde, substantially free of the ephedrien, in substantially a single optically-active isomeric form: called the isomer of Example 12 A herein. Points on ,the circular dichroism curve are (kin .nm, 0): 350, 0; 322.5, 4,854; 312, 5-,683; 302:5, 4,85.4; 269,0; 250,2,3.68,;;2368; 240, 0;,and 210, 34,6,00.

B. The mother liquors of the oxazolidine are combined land-evaporated to crystals, taken up indichloromethane, and chromatographed on silica gel as above to, yield :the enantiomorph ofthe. above Formula-iconipound, havingthe opposite optical'rotation.

C. A-preferred method of obtaining the isomeric oxa: zolidine which-yields the aldehyde ofopticaltrotation opposite to that of the isomer of Example 12-A is as fol- 27 lows. Following the procedure of A, above, the racemic aldehyde is reacted with d-ephedrine to produce the oxazolidine in its diastereomeric forms. Recrystallization then yields the desired oxazolidine, which is converted by hydrolysis to the desired optically active aldehyde.

Following the procedures of Example 12, the exo Formula-l bicyclo[ 3. l .0]hex-2-ene-6-carboxaldehyde is converted to the oxazolidine of dor l-ephedrine and resolved into its optically active isomers.

EXAMPLE 13 Resolution of acetal Ketone (FORMULA IV: R, and R t k n ethe a ..T .H2.C C T 2 T an mi? endo).

cooling the methanol solution, there is obtained one of 7 the diastereomeric oxazolidines, 157 g., m.p. 161-166C., [ad -75 in chloroform, now substantially a single isomeric form as shown by NMR. NMR peaks at 0.63 (doublet), 0.72, 1.23, 2.38, 3.52, 3.95 (doublet) and 4.94 (doublet) 8:

Following the procedure of Example 12, the above crystallized oxazolidine is converted on a silica gel column to an optically active isomer of the desired Formula-1V compound, 0.56 g., M.P. 43-47C. [a] ,+83 in chloroform; called the isomer of Example 13 A herein.

B. The mother liquor from A is concentrated and chilled to 13 C., to yield another diastereomeric oxazolidine, 1.25 g., M.P. 1l8130 C., [a] ,+11.7in chloroform; NMR peaks at 0.63 (doublet), 0.72, 1.23, 2.38, 3.52, 3.99 (doublet) and 5.00 (doublet) 6.

Following the procedure of Example 12, the crystal lized oxazolidine is converted on a silica gel column to an optically active isomer of the Formula-1V compound. C. Reaction of the above Example 13 -B isomer with d-ephedrine by the procedure of Example l3-A yields the enantiomorph of the oxazolidine of Example 13A, M.P. 165 C., [a] +7.5 in chloroform.

Following the procedure of Example 12, the crystallized oxazolidine is converted on a silica gel column to an optically active isomer of the desired Formula-IV identical to that obtained in Example 13-B above.

Following the procedures of Example 13, the exo Formula-IV acetal ketone of Example 10 is converted to the oxazolidine of dor l-ephedrine and resolved into its optically active isomers.

Any one of the above resolved oxazolidines is hydrolyzed to the x0 compound and ephedrine by contact with water, preferably with an acid catalyst, as is known in the art (see Elderfeld, Heterocyclic Compounds, Vol.5, page 394, Wiley, N.Y., 1957). Thus, the oxazolidine of l-ephedrine and the Formula-IV acetal ketone (Example 13 A, 5.0 g.) is stirred in a solution of tetrahydrofuran-water-acetic acid (25 m1.: 25ml.: ml.) for 4 hrs. at about C. under nitrogen. The solvents are removed under reduced pressure at 25-40 C., and the residue is mixed with 25 ml. of water. The mixture is extracted several times with benzene, and

the combined benzene layers are washed with water, dried over sodium sulfate, and finally concentrated under reduced pressure to the optically active Formula-1V acetal ketone having the same properties as reported above following section A. An alternate method of hydrolyzing the oxazolidine is on a silica gelwater column according to Example 12, thereafter eluting the released oxo compound and recovering same by conventional means.

Following the procedures of Example 13, the endo Formula-1V acetal ketone is resolved into its optically active isomeric forms. Following the procedures of Example 4 and thereafter, each of the Formula-1V isomers is transformed to the corresponding Formula-X diol in its a and B configurations PGE and their 15- epimers.

Likewise, employing the exo forms of the FormulalV, compounds, these are resolved into their respective optically active isomeric forms and transformed to the corresponding Formula-X diol. corresponding PGE ent-PGE and their 15-epimers.

EXAMPLE 14 dl- Tricyclic lactone epoxide (Formula XXXVlll Y is n-pentyl, indicates attachment to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration, and

indicates attachment of the epoxide oxygen to the side chain in 01 or ,8 configuration).

Refer to Chart B. A mixture of the Formula-V11 tricyclic lactone heptene of Example 5 (2.02 g.) and potassium bicarbonate (0.8 g.) in 12 ml. of dichloromethane is treated with peracetic acid (2 ml. of 40% in 8 ml. of dichloromethane) added dropwise over 10 min. After the starting material has been converted to the product as shown by TLC (about 45 hrs. at 25 C), the mixture is diluted with 30 ml. of dichloromethane and washed twice with 5% sodium bicarbonate containing sodium thiosulfate (0.5 g.). The dichloromethane solution is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue of the title product, 2.18 g., NMR peaks at 0.6-3.3, 4.8 .(broad) 6.

EXAMPLE 15 d1- Bicyclic lactone diformate (Formula XL: Y is n-pentyl and is alpha and beta). Refer to Chart B.

Procedure A. A solution of the mixed Formula- Vlll glycols (Formula XXXlX wherein M and E are hydrogen) of Example 6 (2.38 g.) in 40 ml. of 100% formic acid is left standing 5.5 hrs. at about 25 C. The mixture is then concentrated under reduced pressure to an oily residue. The residue is treated with a solution of phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and about 10% sodium bicarbonate and extracted with dichloromethane. The dichloromethane solution is dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue containing the title product, 2.66 g.

Procedure B. A solution of the Formula-XXXVlII epoxide of Example 14, (10.0 g.) in 80 ml. ofa mixture of acetone-water-formic acid (:30:2 by volume) is left standing 55 min. at about 25 C. The mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The

residue is treated with sodium bicarbonate, saturated with sodium chloride, and extracted with ethyl acetate. The ethyl acetate solution is dried over magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to a mixture of glycol XXXlX (M and E are hydrogen) and diol X, 11.7 g.

A solution of the above glycol-diol mixture in 350 ml. of 100% formic acid is left standing 2 hrs. at about 25 C. The mixture is then concentrated under reduced pressure and the residue taken up in dichloromethane. The dichloromethane solution is washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate, dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated to a residue containing the title product, 13.2 g.

Procedure C. A solution of the Formula-XXXVlll epoxide of Example 14 (2.18 g.) in 40 ml. of 100% formic acid (see for example Winstein et al., .1. Am. Chem. Soc. 74, 1120 (1952)) is stirred under nitrogen for 2-3 hrs. at about 25 C., monitoring the reaction by TLC. The mixture is concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue is taken up in 50 ml. of dichloromethane and the solution washed with 5% sodium bicarbonate. The dichloromethane solution is dried over sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue containing the Formula-XL title product, 2.92 g.

EXAMPLE l6 dl-bicyclic lactone diol (Formula X: W is l-pentyl and is alpha or beta).

Refer to Chart B. A solution containing the Formula- XL diformates of Example 15 (2.92 g.) in ml. of methanol is stirred with potassium bicarbonate (0.2 g.) for 0.5 hr. The mixture is then filtered and the filtrate is diluted with 50 ml. of dichloromethane. The solution is washed with brine, dried over magnesium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure to a residue. The residue is chromatographed on silica gel (810 g.) packed in acetone-dichloromethane (30:70), eluting with acetone-dichloromethane (30-45% acetone) and collecting 200 ml. fractions. Fractions shown by TLC to contain the desired products free of starting materials and impurities are combined, for example fractions 20 25 contain the X title compound and fractions 26 35 contain the Xjt itle compound.Concentration of the respective fractions yields the title compounds; dlQlX/ -fi-iiilQLXwQli:

EXAMPLE 17 POP and B-PGF Refer to Chart E.

A. Optically active tricyclic lactone acetal V. A mixture of the Formula-1V acetal ketone isomer of Example 13-A (12.0 g.) and potassium bicarbonate (6.1 g.) in 100 ml. of dichloromethane is treated with mchloroperbenzoic acid (12.3 g. of 85%) in portions, with stirring and cooling to maintain the temperature below 30 C. After 2 hrs., 150 ml. of 5% sodium bicarbonate solution containing 9 g. of sodium thiosulfate is added. The dichloromethane layer is dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue is recrystallized from ethyl acetate as the Formula-V tricyclic lactone acetal wherein R, and R taken together are CH. .C( CH .CH- and is endo; M.P. 127-130C., NMR peaks at 0.80, 1.29, 3.45, 3.72, 3.94 (doublet), and 4.89 (multiplet) 5; infrared absorption peaks at 1765,

30 1230, 1185, 1160, 1120, 1100, 1095, 1015, 1000, 980, 955, and 925 cm"; [a],,+9 (methanol).

B. Optically active tricyclic lactone aldehyde Vl. -The acetal ketone of Example l7-A above (4.43 g.) is dissolved in 60 ml. of 88% formic acid and held at about 50 C. for 1 hr. The solution is cooled and diluted with 60 ml. of 1 N sodium hydroxide saturated with sodium chloride, and then extracted with several portions of dichloromethane. The dichloromethane extracts are washed with 20 ml. of 10% sodium carbonate, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The resulting oil is triturated with isopropyl ether and seeded to yield crystals of the corresponding Formula-V1 tricyclic lactone aldehyde, M.P. 62.5-64 C., NMR peaks at 2.48 (doublet), 2.82 (doublet), 3.10 (multiplet), 5.12 (multiplet), and 9.84 (doublet); infrared absorption peaks at 1755, 1710, and 1695; [01],, 30 (methanol).

C. Optically active tricyclic lactone heptene V11.-

Following the procedure of Example 5, the lactone aldehyde of Example l7--B above is transformed to the corresponding Formula-VII optically active lactone heptene; NMR peaks at 0.6-3.0, 4.5-5.2, and 5.7 6; infrared absorption peak at at 1,700 cm' D. Bicyclic lactone diol X. Following the procedures of Examples 14 to 21, the tricyclic lactone heptene of Example l7-C above is transformed to the corresponding optically active Formula-X and -X3 lactone diols.

E. Title compounds. Following the methods known in the art, the above diols are transformed to the corresponding' PGF and 15B-PGF2a Products.

1. An optically active compound of the formula or the mirror image thereof, or a racemic compound of that formula and the mirror image thereof, wherein R, and R are alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or, when taken together,

t as a? ,(E- Q g'.

4- ie Ra wherein R R R,-,, R R and R, are hydrogen, alkyl of one to 4 carbon atoms, inclusive, or phenyl, with the proviso that not more than one of the Rs is phenyl and the total number of carbon atoms is from 2 to 10,inc1usive; is zero or one; wherein each of R and R is hydrogen, bromo or chloro; and indicates attachment of the moiety to the cyclopropane ring in exo or endo configuration.

2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R R are both chloro.

3. An optically active compound according to claim 1, represented by the formula O m R taken together are CH C(CH,-,) CH 8. An optically active compound according to claim K 1 represented by the formula I --Cl 5 0 H 4 CH wherein R, and R taken together are CH C(CH;, 1

) CH 4. A racemic compound according to claim 2 0R2 wherein R, and R taken together are CH C(CH;;.

) CH wherein R and R taken together are CH -C(CH;,

5. A compound according to claim 2 wherein R and CH R are both hydrogen. 9. A racemic compound according to claim 7.

6. A compound according to claim 5 wherein R and 10. A compound according to claim 1 in the endo R are methyl. configuration.

7. A compound according to claim 5 wherein R and Pa ts 1 0?. 2

Patent No. j 8'T3,5Y1 Dated March 25, 1975 Inventor(s) Robert Kelly It is certified that error appears in the aboveidentified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 1, l i ne 39, "pge should read PGE l i ne 40,

"PGEsa" should read PGF l i ne 51, "PGE should read PGF Column 2, l i ne 1, "PGE should read PGF l i ne 52, "for example, or gerbi l colon" should read for example, by tests on strips of gui nea pig i leum, rabbi t duodenum, or

gerbi l colon Column 4, l i ne 18, "absorption" should read abortion Column 8, l i ne 10, "the R should read R s Column 10, l i ne 12, "the R should read R's Column 11, l i ne 5, "lactone acetial" should read lactone acetal line 14, "triohenylphosphonium" should read triophenylphosphoni um Column 23, l i ne 1 formula XXX] 1 should read as 'fol lows XXX l l COOR Column 23, l i ne 20, formula XXXIV should read as fol lows Page 2 of 2 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,875,571 Dated March 25. 1975 Inventor(s) Robert Kelly It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent ar hereby corrected as shown below:

ICS

XXXI ll COOR Column 26, l i ne 49, "water 100 g. should read water per 100 g. Column 27, l i ne 25, "157 g. should read 1.57 g.

l i ne 26, 7.5" should read 1 -7.5 Column 30, l i ne 2 "Examples 14 to 21, should re d Examples 14 to 1 Column 30, l i ne 64, claim 2, "R R should read R and R13 Signed and Scaled this First Day of November 1977 [SEAL] Attest:

' RUTH C. MASON LUTRELLE F. PARKER Attestiug Officer Acting Commissioner of Patents and Trademarks 

1. AN OPTICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUND OF THE FORMULA
 2. A compound according to claim 1 wherein R12 R13 are both chloro.
 3. An optically active compound according to claim 1, represented by the formula
 4. A racemic compound according to claim 2 wherein R1 and R2 taken together are -CH2- C(CH3)2- CH2-.
 5. A compound according to claim 2 wherein R12 and R13 are both hydrogen.
 6. A compound according to claim 5 wherein R1 and R2 are methyl.
 7. A compound according to claim 5 wherein R1 and R2 taken together are -CH2- C(CH3)2- CH2-.
 8. An optically active compound according to claim 1 represented by the formula
 9. A racemic compound according to claim
 7. 10. A compound according to claim 1 in the endo configuration. 